Filmmaker Renny Harlin has spent much of his career playing around in the horror genre, directing films including Prison, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Deep Blue Sea, The Exorcist: The Beginning, and Devil’s Pass, and up next he’s making his return to horror with a brand new movie titled The Refuge. Deadline made the announcement today.
The film’s script was written by Ben Sztajnkryce.
Deadline details, “The story follows Sergeant Rick Pedroni, who comes home to his wife Kate changed and dangerous after suffering an attack by a mysterious force during combat in Afghanistan. Officials say her husband suffered a heavy brain injury, but Kate knows it is more than PTSD. As Rick undergoes unsettling therapy with other traumatized soldiers, Kate discovers he has been possessed by a malevolent spirit.”
“I love making horror films because of the visual opportunities and character studies they offer. The Refuge is a terrifying journey into the deepest corners of the human spirit. It’s not just a regular horror film about a haunted house or a merciless killer. It’s an examination of what can happen when an evil, demonic spirit possesses an innocent mind,” Harlin said.
Highland Film Group is presenting the project to buyers at the virtual EFM.